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Artist Spotlight: Vanessa Colunga

Oct 08, 2015 03:41PM ● By Bryan Scott

Vanessa and her husband

By Adam Richie

Ogden is home to over 15 independent visual art galleries, any festivals, as well as the Ogden Farmers Market.  New artists are being welcomed and making Ogden their home. Vanessa Colunga has become a standout artist as well as a large supporter of the Arts in Ogden. Growing up in Davis County, Vanessa frequented Ogden and has recently moved into a local home with her husband, Brandon Dowling. When asked at what point she knew she was an artist Vanessa replies “I left art in my mother’s womb when I was born”. Although Colunga has been selling her art since high school, it was not until she entered an art show in 2013 that her career really took off. It was at this time that Christian Colman and Emily Edmons, Hive Gallery owners, discovered Colunga art and took it upon themselves to help her promote her craft. That night she sold nearly every piece of art she submitted. Colunga feels this night was a turning point in her career and when she befriended Jane, owner of Pandemonium art gallery, her art finally had a home. 

These days, Colunga is quite busy and the positive feedback has been overwhelming. People are asking for commissioned art again.  Although Colunga is the creative force behind her business, She credits much of her success to her husband of 5 years, Brandon Dowling. Dowling manages her business and keeps track of inventory and upcoming events and also builds her wood boxes, the vessel for a majority of her mixed media artwork. In explaining his role, Vanessa smiles, “he is forever encouraging, he does the work and lets me create.” 

In October, you can see Colunga and her work in the following places.

October 3rd Salt Lake Farmers Market. 

October 7th, Salty Horror Film Festival/Art Show at Urban Arts Gallery in SLC 

October 10th, Salt Lake Farmers Market 

October 16th-17th, Poe Night at Rovali’s on 25th Street, Ogden Utah. This month she is the featured artist, and there will be a Colunga Art Social an hour or 2 before the show starts. Tickets can be purchased for the actual theater part of the night, but anyone and everyone is welcome to check out and buy some art. 

website: colungaart.com 

Facebook: facebook.com/colunga.art

Instagram: @colunga_art Society6: https://society6.com/colungaart 

You can always find her work at Pandemonium Art Gallery as well.